Avoiding void periods – How furnishing can help rent out properties faster

Void periods—those dreaded gaps between tenancies—can be every landlord’s worst nightmare. When your London property sits empty, it’s not just a missed opportunity—it’s lost income. For overseas investors, especially those managing buy-to-lets from places like Hong Kong, these vacant weeks can be both expensive and stressful.

In 2024, the average void period in London increased by 22%, rising from 18 to 22 days. During the same period, monthly rents went up by 11%, reaching an average of £2,227. This means landlords are now losing around £1,611 during each vacancy— a 36% rise compared to last year.

So, how can you avoid void periods in rental properties? Investing in professional home furnishing service is one way to minimise these losses. Well-furnished properties attract more interest and tend to be let faster, meaning fewer void periods and less lost rental income. It’s a smart investment that pays off in the long run.

Understanding void periods and their impact

What are void periods, and why do they matter?

Void periods are the periods when your rental property stays unoccupied between tenants. Whether it’s a week or several months, these time periods result in no income but ongoing expenses, such as mortgage payments, council tax, utilities, and more. In a high-rental market such as London, it is essential to avoid vacant periods to ensure that your investment generates consistent returns.

Key factors leading to extended vacancy

If you’re dealing with frustrating void periods, it’s worth taking a closer look at what might be causing them. Often, long vacancies aren’t just bad luck—they can be down to things like poor marketing, tired interiors, poor layouts, or even the property being left unfurnished. In today’s renter-driven market, prospective tenants are less inclined to imagine a property’s potential. They want to walk in with confidence and say, “This is the one.”

How furnishing speeds up the letting process

First impressions matter – attracting tenants quickly

An attractively furnished property not only looks great in photos, making it easy to market, but also appeals to tenants seeking a move-in-ready home. Our furnishing service partner, InStyle Direct, has multiple cases that testify to this. One recent case is a property they furnished in Royal Eden Docks, which had barely drawn any attention and lingered on the market for months before its makeover. Their Gold Furniture Package, however, gave the property a fresh new look that entirely changed the narrative.

The once-overlooked flat was let in no time at all. In fact, it achieved a remarkable 40% reduction in void periods—a significant improvement from the frustrating six-month vacancy it had previously endured. This demonstrates the transformative power of thoughtful apartment furnishing service.

Furnishing for short-term vs. long-term tenants

Short-term renters, such as professionals on temporary contracts or international students, usually prefer fully furnished properties that come with everything they need, from sofas to crockery. On the other hand, long-term tenants often favour a minimalist approach, choosing properties with only the basics.

By tailoring your furnishing package to match the needs of your target tenants, you can ensure your property is not only stylish but also rent out properties faster. This approach helps attract the right renters, whether they’re staying for a few months or several years.

Must-have furniture and amenities for fast rentals

Tenants today generally expect certain essentials when moving into a property. Must-haves now include comfortable beds with storage, flexible living and dining spaces, a desk for hybrid working, and appliances like washer-dryers and microwaves. These are not merely extra features, but crucial elements that can significantly influence a potential tenant’s decision.

Our furnishing partner’s tailored furnishing solutions cater to diverse needs. They work with top developers, overseas investors, and homeowners to create impressive interiors. The properties are move-in-ready in just 24 to 48 hours (based on stock availability), helping you with rental property vacancy reduction and maximise your rental income.

Cost-effective furnishing strategies for landlords

Budget-friendly vs. premium furnishing – Finding the right balance

Making a significant impact doesn’t have to be expensive. Our furnishing partner offers a range of packages designed to suit any budget.

Take the Hammersmith Apartment, for example. What was once a tired and outdated space was transformed with clever design choices and affordable furniture. The makeover breathed new life into the property and increased its appeal, resulting in a 30% boost in tenant interest and a 25% faster rental time. This transformation highlights just how powerful good interior design can be in making a property more attractive, adding real value for landlords, all without stretching the budget.

Maximising ROI with rental furniture packages

Furnishing should be considered an investment rather than a cost. Well-crafted rental packages can increase a property’s perceived value and decrease the duration it sits empty. Landlords can enhance their investment returns by utilising tailored packages that cater to different types of tenants and locations.

Ensuring compliance with UK rental standards

Fire safety & legal requirements for furnished rentals

Under UK law, all upholstered furniture in rental properties must meet the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988. Our furnishing partner ensures that everything in your property, from flame-retardant sofas to compliant mattresses, meets these legal standards.

How does compliance enhance tenant confidence and reduce vacancies?

Tenants—especially corporate clients and families from abroad— feel more confident renting homes that meet UK standards. Having the right, compliant furniture also means less legal hassle for landlords and makes it easier to rent out the property through reliable agents.

You don’t have to deal with empty periods ; you can prevent them. By picking the right furniture, you can make your property in London more attractive, minimise the time it sits empty, and charge a higher rent. It’s a must-do whether you go for budget-friendly options or go all out.

Check out our partner’s professional furnishing services for landlords and our property management services to ensure your properties are continuously rented and hassle-free, even if you’re not in London. Contact us to learn more.